Surveying and related issues

In progress...

Part of my research will necessitate the contruction of research surveys. As someone with a non-empirical background this will present some challenges.
1. Survey strategies
Firstly, what are the options when it comes to empirical surveys? What kind of survey will produce the kinds of data I need for my project? Secondly, should I opt for an online survey, paper survey or face to face (or a combination of all three)? What number of surveys are required to produce a reasonably reliable outcome? If I opt to undertake face to face interviews, how long should they be and how should I record them?

I plan to informally survey a number of academics who have undertaken this style of research and see if I can learn from their experiences. What kinds of strategies have they used and why?

2. Survey questions
The key issue in the construction of my survey questions will, of course, have to be determined by what it is I want to find out. That said, I know that the correct construction of survey questions can make the difference when it comes to generating useful data.